The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has awarded the $148m ’96 Fix’ road infrastructure development contract to local Shelby Township-based builder Dan’s Excavating.

The 96 Fix project includes I-96 reconstruction between Newburgh and Telegraph roads, and involves rebuilding of seven miles of I-96 and repairing 37 overpasses between these roads.

It also includes upgrading utilities, such as new drainage and lighting; safety upgrades as well as installation of new signs.

"Full closure of I-96 is expected late March this year."

Preliminary works on the project, which mainly include relocation of utilities, will commence in late January after the North American International Auto Show.

These works will require intermittent lane closures on the eastbound and westbound service drives, along with shoulder closures on the freeway below.

Full closure of I-96 is expected late March this year, depending on weather conditions.

During the full closure, eastbound and westbound traffic of I-96 will be detoured using I-275, I-696, M-10 (Lodge Freeway) and M-39 (Southfield Freeway).

Bids for the 96 Fix reconstruction project were opened in mid-December last year.

The I-96 freeway between Newburgh and Telegraph roads was originally opened in 1971.

In March 2012, MDOT conducted an online survey on reconstruction of the road and rehabilitation of I-96, including on and offramps, from Newburgh Road to Telegraph Road, to current design standards and to improve safety.